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8-Nights Best of France & Spain - Classic from $2,479
G Adventures
OFFER ID 1688026
Best of France & Spain
Only got nine days? That’s all you need to soak up the magic of France and Spain. Start in dreamy Paris and end in lively Madrid, with a journey that blends iconic sights with lesser-known gems along the way. From the Eiffel Tower to Gaudí’s surreal designs, and from ancient Roman marvels to rustic farmhouse feasts, this trip packs a perfect punch of culture, cuisine, and connection. With a passionate CEO leading the way, you’ll fall head over heels for the region - and probably never want to leave.
Highlights
Stroll through Montmartre and admire the hilltop views from the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, Stand beneath the towering Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière in Lyon, Gaze at the Roman-built Pont du Gard aqueduct, Wander the winding alleys of Barcelona’s historic Gothic Quarter, Feel the energy and soak up the history in Madrid
Accomodation
On this trip you can expect to stay in small family-run hotels or pensions (with the exception of the start and finish hotels, which are often larger city hotels), which will vary a little in standard and facilities: some may not have elevators, air-conditioning or English-speaking staff, but most importantly all are locally-run, with some traditional character, and in excellent central locations to give you maximum time for exploring the sights. You can expect to find clean, safe, simple accommodation in convenient locations. Note that most accommodation in Europe does not have air conditioning units in rooms. Air conditioning is not routinely installed in European homes and workplaces. However, nearly all hotels will provide a standing or desk fan for your room on hot nights. If you do not already have one in your room, please ask your CEO to organize one for you with reception.
Group Leader
This G Adventures group trip is accompanied by one of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting - we think it's the best of both worlds.
Group Size Notes
Max 16, avg 12
Meals Included
8 breakfasts, 1 lunch
What's Included
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your Foodie Moment: Farm-to-Table Lunch, Argilliers.
Paris-by-night orientation walk. CEO-led walking tour of Paris. Lyon walking tour. 48-hour Lyon metro card. Guided walking tour of Nîmes' Old City and Amphitheatre visit. Visit Pont Du Gard. Guided walking tour of Barcelona. 24-hour Barcelona metro ticket. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
8 nights from $2,479 per person
G Adventures: Best of France & Spain
Day 1: Paris
Arrive at any time. After a welcome briefing, set off with your CEO on a orientation walk to explore Paris at night on the way to an optional dinner out.
Day 2: Paris
Set off by public transport this morning for a trip to Montmartre, where artists thrive and city views are abundant. Sample a mouth-watering croissant or pain au chocolat, then take to the streets with a CEO-led orientation walk. Once oriented, explore however you wish with a free afternoon - perhaps book onto a river cruise to see the city from a different perspective, visit the colossal Louvre, or get your blood pumping with a walk up the Eiffel Tower.
Day 3: Paris/Lyon
Enjoy a leisurely morning for any last sightseeing before boarding a local train bound for Lyon. Check into your hotel and then set off to explore some of the city's highlights with a local guide, culminating at the Basilica of Notre Dame de Fourvière for great views over the city. The rest of the evening is free to choose from a breadth of amazing restaurants in the city for dinner.
Lyon is considered to be an economic and cultural hub in France and is home to several historical landmarks; ancient Roman theatres, the Medieval-Renaissance District of Old Town, etc. Picture cobblestone streets, secret passage ways called 'Traboules', and picturesque viewpoints.
Day 4: Lyon
Take advantage of a free day to explore Lyon. Wander the picturesque streets and visit some of the historic landmarks of the city, take an optional food tour or just relax at one of the many quaint cafes and watch the world go by. Lyon has become famous as a gastronomical capital of not only France, but of the world.
Day 5: Lyon/Nîmes
Depart Lyon for the Occitanie region of France and to the city of Nîmes, known as the "French Rome." Drop off your bags at the hotel, then set out on a walking tour of the old part of the city. Marvel at the Roman amphitheater, stroll around the UNESCO World Heritage monument of Maison Carrée and observe the Tour Magne, a vestige of Gallic Nîmes overlooking the Jardins de la Fontaine. The rest of the afternoon and evening is free.
Day 6: Nîmes/Barcelona
Head out on a drive from Nimes to the magnificent Pont du Gard. Standing at an impressive 49 meters tall, this is the highest Roman aqueduct bridge in the world and is the only example of an ancient three-tier bridge still standing today. Later, stop for a delicious farm-to-table lunch in a small village before returning to Nîmes in time to catch the train to Barcelona.
Day 7: Barcelona
Set off on foot with a local guide on a walking tour of Barcelona, enjoying the sights and sounds of this iconic and vibrant Spanish metropolis. The rest of the day is free for individual exploration of the city's many museums, parks and plazas before regrouping in the evening for an optional dinner out.
Day 8: Barcelona/Madrid
All aboard! Settle in and watch the world go by on a train ride from Barcelona to Madrid. Enjoy free time to explore the city upon arrival.
Day 9: Madrid
Depart at any time.
Vacation Details
* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.
Moderate facilities have modest enhancements to amenities and décor. These hotels or resorts are dependable, comfortable and some may offer standard features, such as select business services, Continental breakfast or coffee service and may have a swimming pool or small fitness center on-site. Guestrooms are comfortable, moderately spacious, in-room telephones, televisions and limited amenities. Moderate establishments provide suitable accommodations and service for budget-minded travelers.
The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary. VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
Itinerary Disclaimer
While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission. Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
All fares are quoted in US Dollars.
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